Former luge world champion Michael Walter from Germany has died ©Wikipedia

Germany's former luge world champion Michael Walter has passed away.

Walter, who competed in two Winter Olympic Games, died in Annaberg-Buchholz, aged 57.

He won two medals in the men's singles event at the International Luge Federation (FIL) World Luge Championships,  a gold in 1985 and a silver in 1981.

Walter also won two medals at the FIL European Luge Championships, a silver in the mixed team event in 1988 and a bronze in the men's singles event in 1986.

He also won the men's singles Luge World Cup overall title in the 1983-1984 season.

Walter also competed in two Winter Olympics for East Germany and was a reserve at a third.

His best finish at the Winter Olympics was fourth in the men's singles event at Sarajevo in 1984.